公开(公告)号：US11971250B2

公开(公告)日：2024-04-30

申请号：US17434404

申请日：2020-03-05

Applicant: Hunter Engineering Company

Inventor： Brian M Cejka ,  Daniel R Dorrance ,  Patrick G. Callanan ,  Michael T. Stieff

IPC: G01B21/04 ,  G01B11/275 ,  G01S7/40 ,  G01S7/497 ,  G01S13/931

CPC classification number: G01B11/2755 ,  G01S7/4086 ,  G01S7/497 ,  G01B2210/143 ,  G01B2210/283 ,  G01S13/931

Abstract: A vehicle service system incorporating a pair of gimbal-mounted optical projection systems enables an operator to selectively orient each optical emitter of the optical projection system to illuminate a location on a vehicle surface in proximity to the system. Signals indicative of an orientation of each optical emitter about three-axes of rotation are received at a controller programmed with software instructions to utilize the received signals, together with known locations for the systems, to calculate a three-dimensional coordinate for the illuminated location within an established frame of reference. The controller is further programmed to utilize the calculated three-dimensional coordinate of the illuminated location as an origin point for determining one or more placement locations within the established frame of reference for ADAS sensor calibration or alignment targets.

公开(公告)号：US10996314B2

公开(公告)日：2021-05-04

申请号：US15546800

申请日：2016-02-16

Applicant: Hunter Engineering Company

Inventor： Michael T. Stieff ,  Patrick G. J. Callanan

IPC: G01S7/40 ,  G01B11/27 ,  G01B11/02 ,  G01S7/497 ,  G01S13/931 ,  G05D1/02 ,  G01B11/14 ,  G01S17/933

Abstract: A procedure for calibrating a vehicle onboard sensor 202 by facilitating the placement of a calibration fixture 110 on a floor relative to a stationary vehicle 100 using a laser emitter 102 secured to a front steerable wheel 104 of the vehicle on the same lateral side as the vehicle onboard sensor. A beam projection axis X of the laser projector is aligned at a known orientation relative to a geometric characteristic of the vehicle 100, such that the beam projection axis X is directed over a placement location P of the calibration fixture on the floor, either inherently or by guided steering of the supporting steerable wheel. A distance between the calibration fixture 110 and a reference point associated with the vehicle 100 is measured, and a current position of the calibration fixture on the floor along the beam projection axis X is adjusted as required to position the calibration fixture for calibration of the vehicle sensor 202 at a selected distance from the reference point along the beam projection axis X.

公开(公告)号：US20200074675A1

公开(公告)日：2020-03-05

申请号：US16538245

申请日：2019-08-12

Applicant: Hunter Engineering Company

Inventor： Brian M. Cejka ,  Michael T. Stieff

IPC: G06T7/73 ,  H04N5/247 ,  H04N5/225 ,  G06T7/246 ,  H04N5/232

Abstract: A machine-vision vehicle service system, and methods of operation, incorporating at least one gimbaled sensor module configured with at least one of a camera, an optical projector, or a range finder to acquire or convey data associated with surfaces in proximity to the vehicle service system for guiding placement of vehicle service components relative to a vehicle undergoing service. The gimbaled sensor module is operatively coupled to a processing system configured with software instructions to selectively control an orientation of the gimbaled guidance system about one or more axis of rotation, enabling observation, projection of visible indicia, or displacement measurement along an associated sensor axis parallel with one of the axis of rotation during vehicle service procedures.

公开(公告)号：US20190249985A1

公开(公告)日：2019-08-15

申请号：US16338647

申请日：2017-09-27

Applicant: Hunter Engineering Company

Inventor： Michael T. Stieff ,  Nicholas J. Colarelli, III ,  Brian M. Cejka

IPC: G01B11/275 ,  G01B11/27

CPC classification number: G01B11/2755 ,  G01B11/272 ,  G01B2210/12 ,  G01B2210/143 ,  G01B2210/283 ,  G01M17/06 ,  G01S7/4026 ,  G01S2007/4086

Abstract: A support structure having a vertical element supporting a set of cameras associated with a vehicle measurement or inspection system together with at least one target structure required for realignment or recalibration of onboard vehicle safety system sensors. A camera crossbeam carried by the support structure locates the set of cameras as required to view a vehicle undergoing measurement or inspection. The target structure is affixed to the vertical element of the support structure, at an elevation suitable for observation by at least one vehicle onboard sensors during a realignment or recalibration procedure. A set of rollers facilitates positioning of the target structure on a supporting floor surface during a realignment or recalibration procedure.

公开(公告)号：US09778030B2

公开(公告)日：2017-10-03

申请号：US14200564

申请日：2014-03-07

Applicant: Hunter Engineering Company

Inventor： James W. McClenahan ,  Michael T. Stieff ,  John M. Boncek ,  Timothy A. Strege ,  Nicholas J. Colarelli, III

IPC: G01B11/275

CPC classification number: G01B11/2755 ,  G01B2210/12 ,  G01B2210/143 ,  G01B2210/20 ,  G01B2210/24 ,  G01B2210/28 ,  G01B2210/30

Abstract: A vehicle wheel service system including a plurality of sensors positioned in proximity to a heavy-duty multi-axle vehicle, to measure angles associated with three or more axles of the vehicle without repositioning the mounting of the sensors after initiating a measurement procedure. Additional sensors, associated with a vehicle reference, such as the vehicle frame axis, are disposed to provide vehicle reference measurement data which is communicated to a processing system. The processing system is configured with software instructions to evaluate the measurement data and to determine various vehicle wheel alignment angle measurements and/or necessary vehicle adjustments for each axle relative to the vehicle reference or to a fixed axle having a determined relationship to the vehicle reference.

公开(公告)号：US09448138B2

公开(公告)日：2016-09-20

申请号：US13749328

申请日：2013-01-24

Applicant: Hunter Engineering Company

Inventor： Michael T. Stieff ,  Blackford F. Brauer

IPC: G01N1/00 ,  G06F17/00 ,  G01B21/26 ,  G01M17/013

CPC classification number: G01M17/013 ,  G01B21/26 ,  G06F17/00

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for a vehicle wheel alignment service procedure and an for acquisition of vehicle measurements, which imparts a gravity-induced rolling movement to a vehicle on a vehicle support structure to transition the vehicle from a first vehicle support surface over a descending roll ramp to a resting position on a second vehicle support surface.

Abstract translation: 用于车辆车轮对准服务程序的方法和装置以及用于获取车辆测量的方法和装置，其向车辆支撑结构上的车辆施加重力引起的滚动运动，以使车辆从下降辊斜坡上的第一车辆支撑表面过渡到 在第二车辆支撑表面上的静止位置。

公开(公告)号：US20140262565A1

公开(公告)日：2014-09-18

申请号：US14203892

申请日：2014-03-11

Applicant: Hunter Engineering Company

Inventor： Michael T. Stieff ,  Craig A. Carroll

IPC: B60S9/00

CPC classification number: B60S13/00 ,  B60L11/18 ,  B62B5/0026 ,  B62B5/003 ,  B62B5/0033 ,  B62B5/0043 ,  B62B5/005 ,  B62B5/0089 ,  B66F7/246

Abstract: A portable powered roller assembly configured to impart a motive force to a wheeled vehicle or structure consists of a roller mounted in a rolling support structure. The roller is rotationally driven by a battery-powered drive unit coupled through a torque multiplying transmission, and is configured for engagement with the circumferential surface of a vehicle wheel. Rotational movement of the roller in engagement with the circumferential surface of the vehicle wheel draws the powered roller assembly towards, and under, the curved circumferential surface of the vehicle wheel, imparting a force to the vehicle wheel which include both a lifting force perpendicular to the supporting surface on which the powered roller is resting, and a motive force parallel to the surface.

Abstract translation: 构造成赋予轮式车辆或结构的动力的便携式动力辊组件包括安装在滚动支撑结构中的滚子。 该滚筒由一个通过扭矩倍增传动装置连接的电池驱动的驱动单元旋转驱动，并被构造成与车轮的圆周表面接合。 滚轮与车轮的圆周表面接合的旋转运动将动力辊组件朝车辆车轮的弯曲圆周表面向下并在其下方，向车轮施加力，该力包括垂直于车轮的提升力 动力辊静止的支撑表面和平行于表面的动力。

公开(公告)号：US08561307B2

公开(公告)日：2013-10-22

申请号：US13693750

申请日：2012-12-04

Applicant: Hunter Engineering Company

Inventor： Michael T. Stieff ,  Dennis M. Linson ,  Daniel R. Dorrance ,  Thomas J. Golab ,  Mark S. Shylanski

IPC: G01B11/275 ,  G01B5/255

CPC classification number: G01B11/275 ,  G01B11/2755 ,  G01B2210/14 ,  G01B2210/30

Abstract: A method and apparatus for determining the alignment of a vehicle wheel using an optical target assembly secured to the vehicle wheel in a non-determined position, the optical target assembly having a dimensionally stable shape and a plurality of optical target elements disposed on a plurality of target surfaces. Images of the optical target elements are acquired by an imaging system, together with target identifying indicia, and utilized together with previously stored target characterization data to determine a spatial orientation of the optical target assembly and an alignment of the vehicle wheel onto which it is secured.

公开(公告)号：US20230280155A1

公开(公告)日：2023-09-07

申请号：US18315271

申请日：2023-05-10

Applicant: Hunter Engineering Company

Inventor： Brian M. Cejka ,  Nicholas J. Colarelli, III ,  Michael T. Stieff

IPC: G01B11/275 ,  G01B11/27 ,  G01S7/40 ,  G01M17/06 ,  G01S7/497

CPC classification number: G01B11/2755 ,  G01B11/272 ,  G01S7/4026 ,  G01M17/06 ,  G01S7/4972 ,  G01B2210/12 ,  G01B2210/143 ,  G01B2210/283 ,  G01S7/4086

Abstract: A support structure having a vertical element supporting a set of cameras associated with a vehicle measurement or inspection system together with at least one target structure required for realignment or recalibration of onboard vehicle safety system sensors. A camera crossbeam carried by the support structure locates the set of cameras as required to view a vehicle undergoing measurement or inspection. The target structure is affixed to the vertical element of the support structure, at an elevation suitable for observation by at least one vehicle onboard sensors during a realignment or recalibration procedure. A set of rollers facilitates positioning of the target structure on a supporting floor surface during a realignment or recalibration procedure.

公开(公告)号：US11639849B2

公开(公告)日：2023-05-02

申请号：US17719124

申请日：2022-04-12

Applicant: Hunter Engineering Company

Inventor： Brian M. Cejka ,  Nicholas J. Colarelli, III ,  Michael T. Stieff

IPC: G01B11/275 ,  G01B11/27 ,  G01S7/40 ,  G01M17/06 ,  G01S7/497

Abstract: A system and method for aligning a floor target relative to a vehicle, the floor target including a calibration pattern for observation by a vehicle safety system sensor during calibration. The system includes at least one optical projection system consisting of at least one optical projector having an orientable projection axis. The optical projection system is operatively controlled by a processor to orient said projection axis towards a selected location on the floor surface relative to the vehicle, and to activate the optical projected to illuminate a point, a line, or a boundary, against which the floor target is aligned.